TORONTO - Members of the Toronto Kiwanis Club recently donated $500 toward the city's annual fireworks display July 4 and another $250 to the American Legion Post 86 toward purchase of American flags for area veterans' graves and other veteran-related services.
The funds will purchase up to 300 of the small, American-made flags that are placed on graves of local veterans at surrounding cemeteries during veterans'-related events, including Veterans Day and Memorial Day, according to James Cable, judge advocate for the Legion.
"The flags also are placed at the (gazebo) commons," said Cable, adding members are grateful for the contribution.
The Kiwanis also donated $500 to the city's Fourth of July Committee to be used for the city's annual fireworks show beginning at dusk on July 4 at Clarke Hinkle Stadium, according to Jim Orsini, Kiwanis president.
Orsini said Kiwanis members wanted to assist in helping fund the city's celebration of the birth of the nation. "The community is very important to us, and this is a way to give back.
"We support the fireworks every year," continued Orsini. "It also was brought to our attention the Legion needed flags."
Orsini challenged other city organizations and citizens to match or best the club's contribution for both.
R.J. Stewart, chairman of the Toronto Fourth of July Committee, said the funds would be a great help in putting on the annual display.
"Every contribution is certainly appreciated and helps out," said Stewart. "If everyone contributes a little toward a piece of the pie, it helps."
Stewart said contributions are still being sought, and checks can be made out to the Toronto Fourth of July Committee and sent to P.O. Box 295, Toronto, OH 43964.
(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)
